I am thinking about buying a particular horse. I like everything about him EXCEPT that he is prone to girth gall. He has had them twice this summer and both times he could not be ridden for 2 weeks or more while the galls healed. Has anyone out there ever owned a horse with this problem? Can anything be done or should I just not buy this horse?
2006-08-10 13:14:29 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I have a mare prone to the same thing. I discovered quickly that neoprene girth rub a lot of horses the wrong way. Try the fleece cover or a fleece girth/nylon girth, or even a mohair one (that can still gall some horses, so be careful). In any case, something that minor shouldn't be enough to pass on this horse is he's really what you want, because it definitely can be remedied. Best of luck.
2006-08-11 10:02:30 · answer #1 · answered by faolan22 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a previous person said....try a sheepskin girth cover, be sure to keep the cover clean. You can also try a foam piece, which just sits under the girth...alot of racehorses use them. If the girth is tight enough the foam wont slip.
When you finish riding, be sure to wash away any sweat and muck from the girth area as this can cause skin irritation...which will lead to sores.
There are creams available, both medical (from your vets) and other, speak to your instructer, or your vet, both should be able to help you there.
As for whether you buy the horse or not, thats up to you. I presume you've ridden the horse, how did it feel to you? Did you feel a connection with the horse? is it an animal that you could love unconditionally for the rest of its life? if you answer yes to any or all of these questions then get the horse, a little thing like girth galls shouldnt stop you.
2006-08-11 08:00:49 · answer #2 · answered by Kismet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
girth gall or saddle sores are cause primarily by friction between the horse and the saddle. In some cases, the friction is the result of faulty conformation of the horse. Most often, working conditions are the cause. A poorly made or poorly adjusted saddle, a rider or load sitting in an unbalanced position, excessive uphill and downhill riding, or wet skin caused by rain or sweat are primary offenders. Saddle sores of an equally serious nature may result when the skin itself is injured rather than just the hair, by a split, tear or cut. This may occur, for instance, when a saddle sticks to the skin and then is suddenly moved. this normally results in extremely painful swelling in the deep layers of skin, sometimes accompanied by rupture when the saddle is removed. In all case, total rest from any work which would involve the affected area is necessary. For sore that are not advanced, astringent packs and massage with stimulating ointments is useful. Provided that treatment is given before the condition becomes advanced, the prognosis is good.
Personally I am curious as to how serious the girth gall is? Up at school the 2 year olds we train have a tendency to get girth gall, but we dont let them rest (we cant becuase we are on such a tight schedule) but we use ointment and for more severe galls we use fleece covers on our girths or switch to no gall girths.
2006-08-11 10:05:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well don't u fell like u don't want any other horse and this 1 feels so right it is not u will find a better horse it happened 2 me and when i changed my mind because it was not worth it no 1 would buy him so i had 2 stay with him 4 a really long time i would pass if u need help finding a horse give me a disciption and a state and i will help u find 1 just email me at fuzzyhotpink@yahoo.com or im me at imhoturnot8844
2006-08-10 13:38:37 · answer #4 · answered by Danielle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can buy anti-gall girths, have you tried that? It worked on my horse. If that doesn't work, then you have to use it as a factor as to wether you will buy the horse or not, it's really up to you. i do agree with a vets opinion as well.
2006-08-10 19:40:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
that isnt very rare. my horse gets them sometimes. look 4 a horse vet book. there is something that u can put on them 2 help them heal faster. really think about it, if u like the horse enuff 2 just deal w/ it, then buy him. if not, then dont. just think bout it. b sure.
2006-08-10 13:48:06 · answer #6 · answered by Sky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
forst off, try him with a sheepskin girth cover. That is what they are for. You will have to wash it and keep it clean but it will prevent it
2006-08-10 23:11:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋